Econoline Frame Rail Battery Box

[ddelong6767]

Hey guys, I'm mostly a lurker here but thought I'd throw this up. I'm in the middle of building out a 2012 Econoline Quigley 4x4 and am installing a Renogy 200W solar system. To support the solar I'm putting a 100Ah Group 31 battery on the driver's side frame rail. I chose the driver's side to keep it a bit higher up (no steps on that side) and nearer to my main power panel. I designed a simple battery box that will utilize four of the holes already in the frame rail and hold the battery upright. Fastening will be via 1/2" bolts through the frame rail.

If anyone is interested in this I could run a few more through waterjet and pop them out for basically cost plus a few bucks for my hassle of boxing/shipping. I'm going to have the one for my van in a few weeks and can post up pics of the install when I get it in. Not looking to start a business or make big bucks off this, just figured it's a small way to give back to the community, I've benefitted from a lot of good resources on here. Let me know if interested.

 

[sandyvan]

Steel I'm guessing? What are you thinking for hold downs? I'm interested as its a PITA to take the factory aux battery box down from the frame (but its a sturdy unit and I have a technique now). I'm also looking to add underbody storage using ammo boxes for recovery gear, etc. and this looks like it would work great.

 

[rex_1_mn]

Looks nice! I’m interested in one.

 

[ddelong6767]

Yep, initial prototype is going to be 12ga steel. I was simply going to use a good lashing strap to hold the battery down in the carrier, it wouldn't be too hard to rig up a j-bolt system or something similar though. Mounting it is going to be like the Ford box - a PITA probably best done with a floor jack to raise it up into place. There are no nutserts in the driver's frame rail so the bolts have to be fed through the frame rail and the nuts installed and tightened. The fuel tank makes it a tight fit but I can get my hand in on the back side to put the bolts through so I think it's going to work assuming the battery itself is supported. I'll confirm all this once I get the first piece run and can test it out.

 

[Corneilius]

Good looking box, frame holes can vary widely year to year, even within years. Access to the battery posts will certainly be nice without having to drop the box.

 

[Epix]

Looks great, quick question. Do you have any plans to somehow keep the battery shielded from water and other outside elements?

 

[Deshet]

I am interested. I would like to put a few group 31s on the frame rail.

Thanks

 

[Smoker]

I'm also interested.

Thanks

 

[WVI]

As am I!

 

[ddelong6767]

I have files out to my local waterjet shops and am waiting on quotes back now. I'm also going to look at getting mine powdercoated so could make that part of the run for everyone as well if you all want it.

Epix - I wasn't going to shield the battery other than using terminal covers. The floor of the box could be left solid and the sides could always be made taller if people wanted a more enclosed box. At that point it starts to look more like the Ford box and would be a new design. I guess you can also debate whether it needs a lid. I don't think there's much risk to the battery down there (I don't wheel my van hard) so I didn't think it was necessary. Mud and road grime will be present though.

Deshet - at this point only one Group 31 fits on the frame rail using existing holes. Adding a second with this box would require drilling your own holes, not impossible but adds more complexity. I can check clearances to run a second box once I have the prototype in hand.

 

[tmo2460]

I'm interested as well, I need to get one more battery into my system.

 

[another_mike]

id be interested in one but would like to see it installed first.

 

[SurfClub]

Looks good I'd like one!

 

[ddelong6767]

Got the first prototype in. Need to tweak a few dimensions on the slots and may want to go to the next heavier gauge, it's a little less stout than I'd like. Gotta go on a business trip for a week that will slow things down a bit but will keep you guys updated once I get back and can work on it more...

 

[WVI]

That looks very promising!
Thanks for sharing with us.